Alexander Meiklejohn was born on January 2, 1872, in Lancashire, England. He was one of eight sons born to a Scottish-British family. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Rhode Island, where he would spend the rest of his childhood.
Meiklejohn attended Brown University, where he earned both his undergraduate and master's degrees. He later went on to pursue a Ph.D. in philosophy from Cornell University.
Meiklejohn began his career in academia, eventually becoming the president of Amherst College from 1912 to 1924. He was known for his advocacy of free speech and was a prominent member of the American Civil Liberties Union's National Committee.
In 1959, Meiklejohn was awarded the prestigious Rosenberger Medal for his contributions to philosophy and academia. He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President John F. Kennedy in the early 1960s, presented to him by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Meiklejohn's legacy as a philosopher and advocate for free speech continues to be celebrated today. His work has had a lasting impact on both academia and civil liberties, and he is remembered as a trailblazer in the field of philosophy.
Meiklejohn lived a full and accomplished life, dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the defense of free speech. He passed away on December 17, 1964, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire thinkers and activists around the world.